China's first patented precision cycloid pinwheel reducer has been put into production by HIT Robot Group, headquartered in Harbin, capital of the northeastern province, in early March. The reducer is a key component in robot manufacturing that is likened to robots' joints and determines the accuracy and strength of their movements. Related technologies were long monopolized by such advanced countries as the United States, Germany and Japan. The HRG-developed technology has enabled a 50 percent decrease in the prices of reducers, according to the company.